Simeone dismisses Demichelis & Adrian rumours

Posted Sunday, August 25, 2013 by Goal.com

The Argentine has brushed off speculation regarding two of his players and says he is focused only on building upon his side's midweek draw with Barcelona

Diego Simeone has shrugged off rumours linking Martin Demichelis and Adrian with the Atletico Madrid exit door.

Demichelis only moved to the Vicente Calderon in July but is understood to be keen to reunite with his former Malaga boss, Manuel Pellegrini, at Manchester City.

Highly-rated attacker Adrian has also been linked with Arsenal, Valencia and Roma, but Simeone insists the rumours are not affecting his preparations for the season.

"I don’t care about the rumours, my only concern is Rayo," the 43-year-old told reporters. "We are constantly holding conversations with the club and we are very aware of what might happen.

"But my only worry is tomorrow’s game and making my team is able to perform against a very brave side packed with players who play good football.

"That’s what we need to be alert to, nothing else."

Atleti drew the first-leg of the Supercopa against Barcelona 1-1 on Thursday and Simeone has called for his charges to embrace team rotation as they aim to juggle all competitions this season.

"It’s quite possible that there will be changes," he explained. "There are a lot of games ahead and everyone will have a part to play.

"I have been very clear with my players and I told them that they shouldn’t be surprised to see a player in the stands one week and in the starting XI the following week.

"My team is constructed to get through each game as best as we can."

Oliver Torres and Cristian Rodriguez will miss the clash with Paco Jemez's men, but Diego Costa shrugged off a sprain to team up with the squad.